CAIWU is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and committed person to join its legal department as a caseworker. Applications are open until 4 November.

The Cleaners and Allied Independent Workers Union (CAIWU) is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and committed person to join its legal department as Internal Caseworker. CAIWU is a grassroots, member-led trade union for cleaners. We organise workplaces, campaign for better conditions for cleaners, and assist members with employment-related issues.

This is a hands-on role representing union members across the full spectrum of workplace issues. You’ll be the first point of contact for members seeking advice on employment rights, providing practical support and representation in internal company processes such as disciplinary, grievance, consultation, and welfare meetings.

You’ll take cases from initial advice through to ACAS conciliation — drafting grievances and appeals, liaising with employers to resolve disputes, quantifying potential claims, and negotiating settlements. The role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on members’ working lives while developing strong advocacy, negotiation, and case management skills. While the primary focus is on pre-litigation work, there will also be opportunities to gain exposure to Employment Tribunal case management and litigation, working closely with CAIWU’s external legal department.

This position is particularly suited to aspiring lawyers seeking practical experience in employment law and advocacy. Many of our former caseworkers have gone on to secure pupillage at leading Chambers.

Salary and Start Date

• £28,000 per annum, rising to £31,200 upon successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
• Start date: as soon as possible.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have:
• A strong academic background.
• Completion of the Bar Course or LPC (desirable but not essential).
• Demonstrable relevant legal experience.
• The ability to work under pressure and manage a varied caseload.
• A strong commitment to the trade union ethos; and
• Language skills (particularly Spanish) — desirable but not essential.

Application Process

Our recruitment process consists of three stages: a paper sift, a written legal problem, and an interview.

To apply, please submit:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages), and
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining your suitability for and commitment to the role.

Please send applications to cases@caiwu.org.uk by 5pm on 4 November 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the application window may close early if a suitable number of strong candidates is reached before the deadline. Candidates who pass the paper sift will be sent a legal problem by 5pm on 5 November 2025 and will have to complete it by 5pm on 11 November (we anticipate it will take a few hours). Interviews will take place during the week commencing 10 November 2025.

We assess all candidates solely on merit.

If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact cases@caiwu.org.uk.